In a high-pressure Super 8 match of the 2026 T20 World Cup, India faced a tough chase against West Indies to advance to the semi-finals. The stage was huge and the pressure was intense, but Samson remained calm and delivered the blow of his life in the packed Eden Gardens in Calcutta.
Sanju Samson guides India to the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup
The Kerala star smashed 97 runs off just 50 balls and stayed till the end to seal the famous five-wicket win over the West Indies. With his remarkable knock of 97 off 50 balls, Samson broke Virat Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian in a successful T20 World Cup chase.
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After the Men in Blue clinched the semi-final spot, Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t control his emotions. He took off his cap and bowed to Samson near the boundary line. Later, in a video shared by the BCCI on its social media platforms, Suryakumar continued to praise Sanju non-stop.
Emotional moment as Suryakumar Yadav bows to Sanju Samson
Suryakumar Yadav said in the BCCI video, “I always say that good things happen to good people and at the right time. No better time, no better stage for someone like him (Sanju Samson) to step up and give the team what the team needs. The moment he came into the squad, I think the first thing he said to the group when we sat together was, let’s do something that the team wants, not what you want.”
The Indian captain also talked about why this match-winning knock is special. This past year, Samson lost his place on the team. He batted in different positions. He was criticized. Many doubted his role. On this great night he showed that spirit.
He attacked smartly and didn’t rush after a good start. He held one end strongly as wickets fell around him. Suryakumar said Samson, who did not get a single match in the last edition, played brave cricket under pressure, which is required to win the World Cup and ICC tournaments.
Also read: Mohammad Amir puts Sanju Samson on the same pedestal as Rohit Sharma
He deserves everything: India Captain
Suryakumar further said, “It’s not easy to win the World Cup. The World Cups, the ICC tournaments and the matches you play in ICC tournaments are won by courageous people and this was a courageous knock. He may get carried away with a good start, but the way he was batting, he kept one side together and took the team through.”
And he deserves all the credit. I am very happy for him, his wife, his family at home and all the people who love and support him. We are one step closer again. Hopefully this can continue. I have a lot to say, but I’m very happy. He deserves everything.”
“Are you going to cry?” Sanju Samson to SKY
When he heard the captain’s praise, Samson laughed and told him in a funny way to stop or he would cry. He said, “Rulayega kya pagle? (Do you want to make me cry?)”
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